The UCI Health Gavin Herbert Eye Institute continues to set new benchmarks in patient care, research, and innovation. As we reflect on the past year, our dedication to advancing ophthalmology has led to groundbreaking achievements that directly impact our patients and the field at large.
Our institute is a nationally recognized leader in ophthalmology, excelling in clinical care, pioneering research, and community outreach. With 90,000 outpatient visits and 5,000 surgical procedures performed in 2024, we remain leading clinical and surgical volume unit at UCI Health—a testament to our commitment to excellence.
Message from the Chair
Baruch D. Kuppermann, MD, PhD
Roger F. Steinert Professor and Chair, UC Irvine Department of Ophthalmology
Director, UCI Health Gavin Herbert Eye Institute
At the UCI Health Gavin Herbert Eye Institute, we are committed to advancing ophthalmology through world-class patient care, leading-edge research, and meaningful community impact. Our growth trajectory remains strong, and over the next five years, we aim to double both our clinical and research faculty to expand our ability to serve patients and drive discovery.
A key milestone ahead is expanding our scientific research capabilities in the Falling Leaves Foundation Medical Research Building, a 210,000-square-foot facility that will house our Center for Translational Vision Research and our pioneering Genome Editing Research Program. This state-of-the-art space at UC Irvine will catalyze breakthroughs in precision medicine and bring new therapies from the lab to the clinic.
We are also proud to be the #1 gateway for new patients to UCI Health, with 14% of all new patients first seen at the institute. This underscores our crucial role in delivering outstanding ophthalmic care and connecting patients to the full spectrum of advanced services at UCI Health.
A Legacy of Clinical Excellence
Top faculty: 11 faculty named to Castle Connolly’s Top Doctors list and 13 selected as Orange County Medical Association Physicians of Excellence.
Expanding services: Welcomed Kapil Mishra, MD, as Orange County’s first ocular oncologist, bringing specialized eye cancer treatment to our region.
Top-ranked research: Ranked #16 in the country in NIH funding, marking our fifth consecutive year in the top 20.
Leading in Vision Science Research
Revolutionizing vision care: The Center for Translational Vision Research (CTVR) earned Organized Research Unit (ORU) status in July 2024, driving new therapies for vision-threatening diseases.
Expanding precision medicine: The Genome Editing Research Program is developing cutting-edge gene therapies, with applications extending beyond ophthalmology to diseases like cystic fibrosis and muscular dystrophy.
State-of-the-art innovation: Our researchers are utilizing two-photon ophthalmoscopy and advanced gene editing to improve diagnostics and treatments for conditions like age-related macular degeneration and diabetic retinopathy.
Impact Beyond the Clinic
Community outreach: The UCI Health Eye Mobile for Children provided 5,011 free vision screenings, 589 dilated exams, and 295 pairs of glasses to underserved children in Orange County.
Education and knowledge sharing: CTVR hosts weekly global research seminars, fostering collaboration across disciplines.
Recognition and leadership: Our faculty continue to lead in ophthalmology, holding national leadership roles and earning prestigious awards for clinical excellence and research innovation.
If you are a board-certified ophthalmologist with a Doximity profile, you should have received an email inviting you to cast a vote for a hospital that excels in your specialty.
We are proud of the extraordinary progress happening at the UCI Health Gavin Herbert Eye Institute. As your trusted colleagues, we hope you will consider selecting the UCI Medical Center in the 2024-25 U.S. News Best Hospitals rankings.
Our shared commitment to innovation and patient care is shaping the future of vision science, and your support helps us continue this vital work.